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Small Hala Zeist Desk Lamp Holland, 1950s
By Herman Theodoor Jan Anthoin Busquet, Hala Zeist
Located in Den Haag, NL
Lovely sweet little desk lamp by Hala Zeist. Black color. Switch on the base.
1950s good working
Category
Vintage 1950s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Metal
$261 Sale Price
20% Off
1950s Italian Urn Desk Lamp Style of Fontana Arte
By Fontana Arte
Located in Chula Vista, CA
from AMBIANIC
1950s Sculptural Brass Urn Table Lamp from Italy
attributed Fontana Arte and Gio
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Brass
1950s Petite Tripod Desk Table Lamp Stilnovo Italian Modern Design
By Stilnovo
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Desk table lamp
Mid-Century Modern Italian petite tripod desk table lamp. Italy, 1950s
Unmarked
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Brass, Sheet Metal
Stilux Italian 1950s Brass Table or Desk Lamp
By Stilux
Located in London, GB
Striking Italian table or desk lamp by Stilux, Milano, 1950s.
This refined Mid-Century design
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Brass
Mid century brass desk lamp by Kaiser leuchten, Germany 1950s
By Kaiser Leuchten, Stilnovo
Located in ECHT, NL
Minimalist design desk lamp. Made by German company Kaiser leuchten in the 1950s. It has a base
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Brass, Sheet Metal
Industrial Grey Enamel Gooseneck Desk Lamp from Siemens, 1950s
By Siemens
Located in Kojetice, CZ
Industrial adjustable table lamp made by Siemens in Germany during the 1950s.It features grey
Category
Mid-20th Century German Industrial Table Lamps
Materials
Enamel, Iron
Tiffany Style Stained Glass Table Lamp or Desk Lamp, 1950s
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
Fabulous, tall Tiffany Style stained Glass and bronze adjustable Banker’s desk lamp or Table lamp
Category
Mid-20th Century Art Deco Table Lamps
Materials
Bronze
$1,634 Sale Price
20% Off
1950s Laurel Lamp Sculptural Desk Task Light Modern Brass Flair
By Laurel
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Desk lamp
1950s Laurel desk lamp task light classic sculptural midcentury design
Delightful
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Metal, Brass
Italian Mid-Century Modern Red Desk Lamp by Stilnovo, 1950s
By Stilnovo
Located in Paris, FR
A striking 1950s Italian table desk lamp in the style of Stilnovo, featuring a vibrant red
Category
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Brass, Steel
Oscar Torlasco Midcentury Desk Lamp, circa 1950s
By Oscar Torlasco
Located in LAGUNA BEACH, CA
inclination. Disc lamp shade features beautiful cut-out with frosted glass.
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Steel, Brass
“9227” Paavo Tynell 1950s Black and Brass Desk Lamp
By Paavo Tynell
Located in New York, NY
A mid-20th century table lamp, model 9227 designed for Idman by Paavo Tynell.
Brass and black
Category
Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Metal, Brass
Philips Bakelite Desk Lamp, design attributed to Charlotte Perriand, 1950s
By Philips, Charlotte Perriand
Located in Wargrave, Berkshire
Eye-catching 1950s vintage desk light in a light turquoise colour, the design attributed to
Category
Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Metal
American Modern Brass Desk Lamp, Cedric Hartman, 1950s
Located in Queens, NY
American Modern Brass Desk Lamp, Cedric Hartman, 1950s
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Brass
Italian Burgundy Metal
Brass 1950s Desk/Table Lamp
By Cesare Lacca, Lumi
Located in Varese, Lombardia
This table lamp was produced in Italy around the 1950s. It is made from painted metal, cast iron
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Aluminum, Iron, Brass
Mid-Century Modern Teak and Brass Desk Lamp or Table Lamp, Circa 1950s
Located in South Bend, IN
A unique Mid-Century Modern teak and brass desk lamp or table lamp
USA, Circa 1950s
Measures
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Brass
Hand Carved Black Forest Desk Lamp Hunting Scene, circa 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
The item for sale is an original desk lamp in the style of Black Forest or possibly Swiss artisanal
Category
Mid-20th Century German Black Forest Table Lamps
Materials
Canvas, Jute, Wood
Desk Lamp Retro Style Made In Burnished Brass From 1950s
Located in Lejre, DK
Table lamp made of burnished brass, probably from around 1940-1950. The lamp will be inspected in
Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Brass
Space Wars. Rocket UFO Desk lamp by Sam Rush in 1950
s sci-fi movies style
By Sam Rush
Located in Bristol, GB
subtle authenticity otherwise lost.
The playful homage to the 1950's sci-fi movies means that this piece
Category
2010s British Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Brass, Stainless Steel
Dazor UL-P 2324-26 Industrial Floating Desk Lamp. 1950s.
By Dazor
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
This is a famous floating arm lamp by Dazor. Company was founded in 1938 and made itself the name
Category
Mid-20th Century American Brutalist Table Lamps
Materials
Steel, Metal
Svend Aage Holm Sørensen Flexible Desk Lamp of Brass, Denmark 1950s
By Paavo Tynell, Svend Aage Holm Sørensen, Bent Karlby, Fog and Morup
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Original vintage desk lamp by Danish Svend Aage Holm Sørensen
Made in Denmark in the 1950s of brass
Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Metal, Brass
1950s Desk- or Table Lamp in Burgundy Red Painted Metal
Located in Beerse, VAN
This desk- or table lamp from the 1950s, of which the designer and manufacturer are unknown, is
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Metal
UFO Abduction by Sam Rush, A handmade desk lamp in homage to 1950
s Sci-Fi
By Sam Rush
Located in Bristol, GB
This playful desk light is in appreciation of 1950's Sci-fi movies.
Newer additions can include a
Category
2010s English Space Age Table Lamps
Materials
Brass, Stainless Steel
Grey Metal Industrial Desk Lamp, Bauhaus Style, 1950s, Germany
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Grey Metal Industrial Desk Lamp, Bauhaus Style, 1950s, Germany
Lampshade is in good condition and
Category
Vintage 1950s German Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Metal
Tiffany Style Leaded Glass Bankers Desk Lamp Table Lamp, 1950s
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
Tiffany Style Banker’s desk lamp, France, 1950-1959. Fabulous, tall adjustable desk or table lamp
Category
Mid-20th Century Art Deco Table Lamps
Materials
Bronze
$1,634 Sale Price
34% Off
Bakalowits Vienna Nickel
Crystal Mushroom Table Desk Side Lamp, Austria, 1950s
By Bakalowits
Söhne
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful and rare Bauhaus-style mushroom table or desk lamp from the 1950s, handcrafted by
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Nickel
Italian Mid-Century Painted Steel Desk Lamp, 1950s
Located in Paris, FR
An Italian 1950s vintage desk lamp with an articulating gooseneck arm and diffuser shade. The glass
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Steel
Angelo Lelli Style Articulated Midcentury Brass Table Desk Lamp, Italy, 1950s
By Arredoluce, Angelo Lelii
Located in Vienna, AT
A French articulating height adjustable brass table or desk lamp from the 1950s. This iconic light
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Metal, Aluminum, Brass
1950s Mid-Century Modern Solid Brass Italian Desk Lamp
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This lamp is representative of 1950s Mid-Century Modern Italian design, blending clean, functional
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Brass
Ilmari Tapiovaara Table Desk Lamp "Maija the Bee" by Hienoteräs, Finland 1950s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Asko
Located in Stockholm, SE
A very rare Finnish mid century round desk table lamp with white lacquered cylindrical aluminum
Category
Vintage 1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Aluminum, Brass
1950s German Desk Lamp in the Style of Louis Kalff
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Very early unidentified German table light. It is fashioned out of aluminium, brass and bakelite. The shade has been restored and refinished at some point. The slightly yellowish mai...
Category
Vintage 1950s German Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Aluminum
Swedish Modern Brass Table or Desk Lamps from Böhlmarks, Sweden, 1950s
By Bohlmarks
Located in Stockholm, SE
Pair of cool, sleek table lamps from Böhlmarks, made from brass with grey lacquered shades
Category
Vintage 1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Brass
Mid-century modern Desk Lamp, Ferdinand Solère France 1950s
By Ferdinand Solere
Located in Firenze, IT
Mid-century modern Desk Lamp
Ferdinand Solère France 1950s
Brass, metal
Dimensions: H 50 cm x 57
Category
Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Metal, Brass
Mathieu Matégot Metal and Brass, Desk Lamp, 1950s
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in LYON, FR
Very rare French table lamp designed by Mathieu Matégot, executed by Atelier-Matégot. A beautiful
Category
Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Metal, Brass
$897 Sale Price
60% Off
1950s Mid-Century Modern Italian Desk Lamp in Brass with Perforated Shade
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Desk lamp, brass, coated aluminum, Italy, 1950s
This 1950s Italian desk lamp embodies a kind of
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Aluminum, Brass
French Mid Century Black Metal "Cocotte" Desk / Table Lamp Serge Mouille, 1950s
By Serge Mouille
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare and early French mid century desk / table "Cocotte" lamp in black lacquered metal and brass by
Category
Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Metal, Brass
Gerald Thurston Lightolier Style Mid Century Modern Design Desk Lamp 1950s
By Lightolier, Gerald Thurston
Located in Miami, FL
A Mid Century Modern Gerald Thurston classic design style for Lightolier Desk Lamp. Actually could
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Metal
$260 Sale Price
20% Off
Bronze Desk Lamp
Located in New York, NY
A circa 1950's French bronze desk lamp with dolphins on body.
Measurements:
Height: 20.5
Category
Vintage 1950s French Table Lamps
Materials
Bronze
$4,800
Mid Century Desk Table Grasshopper / 732 Lamp by Greta Magnusson Grossman, 1950s
By Ralph O. Smith, Greta Magnusson Grossman
Located in Stockholm, SE
Very rare and early mid century desk / table lamp model "732" or "Grasshopper" in patinated brass
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Metal, Brass
Ilmari Tapiovaara Table Desk Lamp "Maija the Bee" by Hienoteräs, Finland 1950s
By Asko, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Stockholm, SE
Very rare Finnish mid century cylindrical table / desk lamp “Maija the Bee” in white lacquered
Category
Vintage 1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Aluminum, Brass
Model 6775 Desk Lamp by Christian Dell for Kaiser Idell, Germany, 1950s
By Kaiser Idell, Christian Dell
Located in Brussel, BE
An icon of Bauhaus design, this rare Model 6775 desk lamp was designed by Christian Dell for Kaiser
Category
Vintage 1950s German Bauhaus Table Lamps
Materials
Metal, Brass
Mid-century adjustable black desk Lamp from the 1950s
Located in Antwerpen, Antwerp
Adjustable desk lamp from the 1950s. In a good working condition.
Category
Vintage 1950s Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Metal
Falkenbergs Belysning Table/Desk Lamp in Oak, Metal and Brass, Sweden, 1950s
By Falkenbergs Belysning
Located in The Hague, NL
Belysning in the late 1950s. The lamp is stamped with the model number 6407 and the manufacturers initials
Category
Vintage 1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Metal, Brass
Vintage 1950s Mid-Century Modern Industrial Dazor Gooseneck Desk Lamp
By Dazor
Located in Lafayette, IN
This lamp is a timeless piece of Mid-Century Modern Industrial Design and features the hard-to-find
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Metal
Mid Century Desk Light or Table Lamp by Vereinigte Werkstätten Germany 1950s
By Vereinigte Werkstätten München
Located in Munich, DE
Rare and elegant Mid-Century Modern goos neck desk light or table lamp with perforated conical
Category
Vintage 1950s German Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Brass, Metal
Midcentury Stilnovo Desk or Table Lamp Brass Black Enameled Metal, Iataly, 1950s
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
Midcentury Stilnovo two-light desk or table lamp in brass with black enameled metal base and shade
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Metal, Brass
$1,776 Sale Price
20% Off
Lyfa Red Table / Desk Lamp in Brass and Metal, Denmark, Late 1950s
By Lyfa
Located in The Hague, NL
This rare table/desk lamp was produced by Lyfa in Denmark in the late 1950s.
The striking design
Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Brass, Steel
Stilnovo Style Camel Toned Desk Lamp with Saucer Shade, circa 1950s
By Stilnovo
Located in Bainbridge, NY
European Modern Stilnovo style adjustable enameled steel saucer shade table lamp. Featuring an
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Brass, Steel
1950s Desk Table Lamp Leather Style Adnet, Signed Tanneur
By Le Tanneur
Located in Saarbruecken, DE
1950s desk table lamp leather style Adnet, signed Tanneur.
A classic Le Tanneur table lamp. Made
Category
Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Brass
Stilnovo Adjustable Brass Desk Lamp, Black and Red Diabolo Shade, Italy, 1950s
By Stilnovo
Located in The Hague, NL
This very rare desk/table lamp was produced by Stilnovo in Italy in the mid 1950s.
The striking
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Metal, Brass
Swedish Modern, Black Lacquered Metal, Adjustable Desk Lamp, Sweden, 1950s
Located in Manhasset, NY
Swedish Modern, Black Lacquered Metal, Adjustable Desk Lamp, Sweden, 1950s
A lacquered metal
Category
Vintage 1950s Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Metal
Mid Century ‘Ukkie’ Desk Lamp by Hala Zeist, Netherlands, 1950s
By Hala Zeist
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Charming mid-century Dutch desk lamp known as the “Ukkie”, designed and produced by Hala Zeist in
Category
Vintage 1950s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Metal, Brass
1950s Louis Kalff Style White Mid-Century Brass Desk or Table Lamp
By Stilnovo, Louis Kalff, Cosack Leuchten, Gebrüder Cosack
Located in Vienna, AT
A elegant Mid-Century modern Stilnovo-Style „Crowfoot“ table / side or desk lamp from the 1950s
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Aluminum, Brass, Iron
Premium Extra Large Desk Lamp in Steel, Bakelite and Oakwood, 1950s Belgium
Located in Voorburg, NL
Beautiful desk lamp produced in Belgium in the 1950s. The lamp is standing on a firm oakwood base
Category
Mid-20th Century Belgian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Stainless Steel
$821 Sale Price
20% Off
1950s Vintage Adjustable Desk Table Lamp with Brass Structure
Located in Milan, IT
1950s vintage lamp, Italian manufacture.
The lamp has a brass structure.
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Brass, Iron
$399 Sale Price
20% Off
J.T. Kalmar Yellow Table Desk Side Lamp, Brass
Iron, Vienna, Austria, 1950s
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful Modernist Midcentury desk, table, or side lamp from the 1950s. Designed by Julius
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Metal, Brass, Iron
Mid-Century Danish Brass Bankers Desk Lamp by E. S. Horn, 1950s
By E. S. Horn
Located in Esbjerg, DK
manufactured by E. S. Horn in Denmark during the 1950s in a style reminiscent of Vilhelm Lauritzen. Beautiful
Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Brass
Swedish Mid Century Desk Table Lamp in Chromed Metal by Böhlmarks Sweden, 1950s
By Arvid Böhlmarks Lampfabrik
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare Swedish mid century desk table lamp in chromed metal by Arvid Böhlmarks Lampfabrik in Sweden
Category
Vintage 1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Metal
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1950s Desk Lamps For Sale on 1stDibs
At 1stDibs, there are several options of 1950s desk lamps available for sale. The range of distinct 1950s desk lamps — often made from metal, brass and steel — can elevate any home. 1950s desk lamps have been produced for many years, with earlier versions available from the 20th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 21st Century. Mid-Century Modern, Scandinavian Modern and Industrial 1950s desk lamps are consistently popular styles. 1950s desk lamps have been a part of the life’s work for many furniture makers, but those produced by Louis Kalff, Philips and Louis Christiaan Kalff are consistently popular.
How Much are 1950s Desk Lamps?
1950s desk lamps can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price at 1stDibs is $1,437, while the lowest priced sells for $120 and the highest can go for as much as $34,000.
Finding the Right Table-lamps for You
Well-crafted antique and vintage table lamps do more than provide light; the right fixture-and-table combination can add a focal point or creative element to any interior.
Proper table lamps have long been used for lighting our most intimate spaces. Perfect for lighting your nightstand or reading nook, table lamps play an integral role in styling an inviting room. In the years before electricity, lamps used oil. Today, a rewired 19th-century vintage lamp can still provide a touch of elegance for a study.
After industrial milestones such as mass production took hold in the Victorian era, various design movements sought to bring craftsmanship and innovation back to this indispensable household item. Lighting designers affiliated with Art Deco, which originated in the glamorous roaring ’20s, sought to celebrate modern life by fusing modern metals with dark woods and dazzling colors in the fixtures of the era. The geometric shapes and gilded details of vintage Art Deco table lamps provide an air of luxury and sophistication that never goes out of style.
After launching in 1934, Anglepoise lamps soon became a favorite among modernist architects and designers, who interpreted the fixture as “a machine for lighting,” just as Le Corbusier had reimagined the house as “a machine for living in.” The popular task light owed to a collaboration between a vehicle-suspension engineer by the name of George Carwardine and a West Midlands springs manufacturer, Herbert Terry Sons.
Some mid-century modern table lamps, particularly those created by the likes of Joe Colombo and the legendary lighting artisans at Fontana Arte, bear all the provocative hallmarks associated with Space Age design. Sculptural and versatile, the Louis Poulsen table lamps of that period were revolutionary for their time and still seem innovative today.
If you are looking for something more contemporary, industrial table lamps are demonstrative of a newly chic style that isn’t afraid to pay homage to the past. They look particularly at home in any rustic loft space amid exposed brick and steel beams.
Before you buy a desk lamp or table lamp for your living room, consider your lighting needs. The Snoopy lamp, designed in 1967, or any other “banker’s lamp” (shorthand for the Emeralite desk lamps patented by H.G. McFaddin and Company), provides light at a downward angle that is perfect for writing, while the Fontana table lamp and the beloved Grasshopper lamp by Greta Magnusson-Grossman each yield a soft and even glow. Some table lamps require lampshades to be bought separately.
Whether it’s a classic antique Tiffany table lamp, a Murano glass table lamp or even a bold avant-garde fixture custom-made by a contemporary design firm, the right table lamp can completely transform a room. Find the right one for you on 1stDibs.
Questions About 1950s Desk Lamps
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes. While the gem has always been a mainstay in jewelry, there was a boom in demand for pearl pieces in the 1950s. The style at the time was black-and-white-chic, and pearls were an excellent accompaniment to pieces like the classic little black dress. Shop a collection of expertly vetted pearl jewelry from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- What is 1950s furniture called?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertSeptember 23, 20241950s furniture is called vintage furniture. Some pieces produced during this period may be considered mid-century modern based on their characteristics. Mid-century modern design refers to the variety of modernism that rose to prominence in the 1940s and ’50s. It displays many of the characteristics of the earlier versions of modernism, including simple forms and a focus on functionality. Other traits common in mid-century modern furniture include unadorned silhouettes, clean lines and mixed materials, emphasizing wood, wool, steel and plastic. On 1stDibs, explore a large collection of 1950s furniture.
- 1stDibs ExpertJune 30, 2023Some popular watches for men during the 1950s were the Rolex Submariner, the Enicar Sherpa Dive, the Breitling Navitimer, Omega, Constellation and the Rolex GMT-Master. Rolex, Timex, Orvin, Tower and Elgin were among the top watchmakers for women during the decade. On 1stDibs, find a collection of antique, vintage and contemporary watches.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 21, 2024The clothing style in the 1950s was well tailored and classic. For women, dresses with padded busts, cinched waists and hips, and full circle skirts were popular, and the collared button-up shirt dress came into fashion during the decade. Men tended to wear suits in neutral gray, dark blue and brown colors made out of easy-to-care-for synthetic fabrics. Straight-cut double-breasted blazers were commonly worn for casual occasions. On 1stDibs, explore a variety of vintage clothing from the 1950s.
- What is a good desk lamp?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertSeptember 28, 2021A good desk lamp is going to make a substantial difference in any home, office or studio. The ideal desk lamp should provide apt task lighting, be easy to use, and also be aesthetically pleasing. Find a wide range of unique and elegant desk lamps on 1stDibs today.
- What is the best desk lamp?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 26, 2021The best desk lamp is a matter of preference — the right fixture can help you work more efficiently while also reducing eye strain. LED desk lamps in the 2700K to 4500K color temperature range often provide a warm and pleasing light under which to work. Shop a collection of antique, vintage, and modern desk lamps from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.
- Who invented the desk lamp?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2024
No one knows for sure who invented the desk lamp, as many engineers worked on designs for lamps during the 1920s. Many experts cite the Anglepoise lamp, however, as the earliest iteration of the modern desk lamp. Since its 1934 debut, this ingenious task light has become one of the most celebrated examples of industrial design.
How the Anglepoise came to be is the stuff of design legend: In 1932, a vehicle-suspension engineer by the name of George Carwardine joined forces with a West Midlands springs manufacturer, Herbert Terry Sons, to create a mechanism by which opposed springs would, as Carwardine explained, exert a “unidirectional constant force” on a pivoted lever that could counteract the force of gravity.
This invention was not destined for an auto but for a lamp Carwardine was developing. The innovation would allow the piece’s articulated arm to be moved with ease to almost any position and remain there. As the product of engineering acumen rather than fashion, the Anglepoise soon became a favorite among modernist architects and designers, who interpreted it as “a machine for lighting,” just as Le Corbusier had reimagined the house as “a machine for living in.”
The Angelpoise's rivals include the 1930 Bestlite, which was one of the earliest Bauhaus-influenced designs, created by Robert Dudley Best, who had studied under Walter Gropius at the Bauhaus in Dessau. German modernist Karl Trabert’s 1930s desk lamp for Schanzenbach Co. was notable for its domed shade above a hinged arm.
Find vintage table lamps and other lighting on 1stDibs. - 1stDibs ExpertNovember 21, 2023In the 1950s, several diamond cuts were popular. They included the brilliant round cut, the Asscher cut, the emerald cut and the marquise cut. Rings that featured a large central stone flanked by smaller baguettes were also trendy during the decade. Find a collection of vintage diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 27, 2023In the 1950s, a Chanel bag was priced between $200 and $300. The iconic Chanel 2.55 bag cost $220 when first introduced in February 1955. Accounting for inflation, that works out to around $2,536 in today's money. On 1stDibs, find a diverse assortment of Chanel bags from some of the world's top boutiques.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 6, 2023There were a few popular diamond cuts in the 1950s. One was the brilliant round cut, which is still common today due to its simple shape and prominent sparkle. Other favorite cuts of the decade included the Asscher cut, the emerald cut and the marquise cut. On 1stDibs, explore a large selection of engagement rings.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 13, 2024The best-known 1950s furniture style is called mid-century modern. Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three phrases that describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style emerged primarily in the years following World War II through creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living. Mid-century modern designers combined natural and human-made materials, such as teak, rosewood and oak woods as well as steel, fiberglass and molded plywood. Some well-known mid-century modern designers include Charles and Ray Eames, Eero Saarinen, Milo Baughman, Florence Knoll, Harry Bertoia, Isamu Noguchi and George Nelson. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of mid-century modern furniture.
- What is the best LED desk lamp?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 5, 2021There are many types of best LED desk lamps for your home — it's really a matter of preference. On 1stDibs, there are modern, mid-century modern desk lamps and other lighting to choose from.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022British designer George Carwardine designed the Anglepoise desk lamp. Before creating the light fixture, he worked as an engineer designing automobile suspension systems. The first Anglepoise lamps debuted in 1931. You can find a variety of Anglepoise desk lamps on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The desk lamps with the green shade are called banker’s lamps. Banker’s lamps are green because it is believed the color helps to encourage concentration and is mentally soothing. It is also said that green helps with eye strain. You can shop a selection of banker’s lamps from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- Which artist became famous for his series of black paintings in the late 1950s and early 1960s?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertJanuary 27, 2025Frank Stella is the artist who became famous for his series of black paintings in the late 1950s and early 1960s. These works featured bands of black paint separated by thin, precise stripes of bare canvas. At a time when contemporary painting was all about wild gestures, thick paint and formal abandon, the “Black Paintings” created a sensation. Explore a range of Frank Stella art on 1stDibs.
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Across New York, there’s no shortage of statement lighting on view.
My Father Was Obsessed with This French Art Deco Tiger Lamp
The 1920s design is a thrilling combination of saturated colors, ancient motifs and modern aesthetics.
Hans Bergström’s Monumental Chandeliers Are Made for Grand Spaces
Designed by a giant of Swedish lighting, the large-scale fixtures bring major drama.
This Paavo Tynell Chandelier Is a Radiant Bouquet
The alluring pendant light exemplifies the designer’s winsome mid-career work.
Ettore Sottsass Captures a Shooting Star in This Rare 1970s Floor Lamp
Before founding the Memphis Group, Sottsass bent the rules of lighting design with the wonderfully wavy Cometa.
You Don’t Need a Fictional Fairy to Get This Real Pinocchio Lamp
Warm chalet style meets cool Bauhaus functionality in Pietro Cascella’s cleverly carved creation.
Why Is Italy Such a Hotbed of Cool Design?
Patrizio Chiarparini of Brooklyn’s Duplex gallery sheds light on the lasting legacy of Italy’s postwar furniture boom.
More Ways To Browse
Mushroom Lamp Nickel
Ufo Desk Lamp
Counterpoise Lamp
Curved Brass Desk Lamp
Enamel Camel
Kaiser Aluminum Desk
S Curve Lamp
Sculptural Task Lamp
Tiffany Style Desk Lamp
1950s Tiffany Lamp
Dazor Lamp Vintage
1950s Tiffany Style Lamp
Hunting Scene Lamp
Mushroom Vienna
Red Anglepoise
Rosenthal Suomi
Rosewood Tallboy
Round Window Stained Glass